BMW has been pretty busy lately with the launch of several models including the M5, i8 Roadster and X2 as well as the facelifted 2 Series Active Tourer. Aside from those, they will also be joined by other models later this year such as the 8 Series, Z4, X4, and the X7 flagship, which is scheduled to make its debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show later this year.

The surprising thing is that we initially thought that the Bavarian automaker would unveil the CLAR-based SUV a little earlier at the Paris Auto Show. Though nothing has been confirmed yet, several reports indicate that the automaker has decided to bring it to the City of Angels instead.

Just so you know, the automaker is actually planning to sell the first-ever X7 to the U.S. and Chinese markets, although they also plan to offer this model in some parts of Europe as well.

The next generation of the Jeep Wrangler (JL) is being touted by the brand as having more power, more features and more off-road ability than the previous JK generation. To back up its claims, Jeep laid down the specs and numbers for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler as the off-road specialist is unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Jeep will be commencing sales of the new 2018 Wrangler in the first quarter of next year. The very capable SUV will be available either as a two-door or four-door model. Customers have three trims to choose from: Sport, Sahara and the most off-road focused Rubicon. There are three top designs offered for new Wrangler: hardtop with a longer “gutter” and lighter removable “Freedom Top” panels; updated convertible top; and the new powered soft top that works like a canvas sunroof.

In terms of power source, three engines are available. One of these is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that offers up to 285 hp (209 kW) of output at 6,400 rpm and up to 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine is standard on all models of the 2018 Wrangler. Meanwhile, optional on all models of the new generation Wrangler is the 2.0-liter Turbo I-4 engine that could deliver 270 hp (200 kW) of max output at 5,250 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) of peak torque at 3,000 rpm. Only available to four-door models of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V-6 that generates 260 hp of max output and 442 lb-ft of peak torque as mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (850RE).

The teasing is finally over as Subaru has finally taken the wraps off its largest vehicle. It has recently introduced the final production version of the 2019 Subaru Ascent large SUV – including its specs and capabilities -- at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. This family-focused SUV offers a great balance between styling and versatility, while offering high levels of technology and safety.

Featuring three rows of seating for up to eight occupants, the new 2019 Subaru Ascent is underpinned by a strengthened and extended version of the Subaru Global Platform. Extensively employing high-strength steel, 2019 Subaru Ascent was built with particular focus on durability and rigidity as well as vibration resistance to provide a quiet interior and outstanding driving experience. To be built in Indiana, the new 2019 Ascent will arrive in early summer 2018 and will be available in four trim lines: base, Premium, Limited and Touring.

The assertive exterior design of the new Ascent is heavily influenced by Subaru’s “Dynamic x Solid” design philosophy. As expected, the new Ascent SUV looks similar to the Ascent SUV Concept unveiled at the 2017 New York Auto Show in April. At the best, the final production model is much like a toned down version of the concept, which is more muscular and more aggressive in nature. As shown, the new Ascent dons the Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille and C-shaped headlights as well as prominent wheel arches -- highlighting the brand’s Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive -- flowing into a horizontal character line. The new Ascent also features flared lower sills, as well as lower side and wheel arch cladding.

The new Toyota FT-AC Concept (Future Toyota Adventure Concept) did excite and thrill many when it was unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. The third small SUV concept that Toyota unveiled this year was designed for those with adventurous lifestyles but still have to be connected to the online world. Now, it appears that the FT-AC Concept would soon be developed for production with a market launch seen to happen in the next few years.

Jack Hollis, General Manager for Toyota Motor North America, told Motor Authority that for the next few years, the Japanese carmaker is planning to create and introduce a small SUV as inspired by the FT-AC Concept. Presently, Toyota’s crossover and SUV offerings include the C-HR, RAV4, 4Runner, Highlander and Sequoia, as well as the largest of them all, the Land Cruiser. In terms of size, the FT-AC would belong to the same segment as the C-HR, making it sit below the compact RAV4.

At first glance, offering a production version of the FT-AC and the C-HR would mean that Toyota is having two products in the same segment that might cannibalize each other’s sales. But as Hollis put it, the situation in the near future could be the same or similar to the 1990s, with Toyota offering more than one vehicle in each segment if they are distinct enough. This means that the FT-AC production version would be greatly differentiated from the C-HR.

Before the beginning of the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, the finalists of the annual 2018 North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year Awards have been announced by the jurors. And we now have a list of the finalists in each category of the honors. But before we share with you the list, know that the winners will be revealed by the organization of automotive journalists at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2018.

For Car of the Year, the finalists are as follows: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Kia Stinger. To recall, the 2016’s finalists were the Chevrolet Bolt, the Genesis G90 and Volvo S90, with the Bolt receiving the award. If you notice, this year’s candidates are some of the more common vehicles and also more affordable.

For Utility of the Year, finalists for this year include Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Honda Odyssey, and Volvo XC60. This is actually one of the newest categories that the jurors created. This was only added to the list last year. In 2016, the finalists were the Chrysler Pacifica, Jaguar F-Pace, and Mazda CX-9. The Pacifica was named the winner.

When the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 traveled around the world in camouflage before making its official debut in Dubai, we remember seeing convertible versions of it as well, and we anticipated that it would come. But one variant that we did not expect to see was a roofless version of the ZR1.

And Chevrolet surprised us with this at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, finished in the same bold day-glo orange paint as the hardtop model that we saw in Dubai. There is no doubt that the roofless model looks superb (probably even sexier than the coupe version); but apart from that, it is also the most powerful production convertible that wears a Bowtie badge.

Today, we have got a couple of details regarding the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible, such as the price. Having said that, the convertible starts at $123,995, while the coupe costs $119,995. You might think that it is a little too expensive, especially compared to a Z06. But that is because this is the only Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 convertible, at least a front engine ZR1 convertible.

In a country where sport utility vehicles and crossover are of high demand, keeping things fresh could spell success. Kia Motors America is aware of this, which is why it has just unveiled the refreshed 2019 Kia Sorento SUV at the 2017 Los Angeles Motor Show. The tweaks made were subtle but smarter, making the vehicle more appealing to customers in the United States.

As early as July this year, Kia already revealed the mid-cycle facelift of the Sorento in South Korea. The European facelift followed in September in Frankfurt, Germany. Now, it is the US refresh that got unwrapped, and this time it was in LA.

Still as rugged, refined and capable as before, the 2019 Kia Sorento comes standard as a three-row SUV with seating for seven passengers and is offered in five trim levels: L, LX, EX, SX and SXL. Kia has tweaked both its exterior and interior, but no major design changes were made. For instance, the new Sorento is provided with new front and rear fascias that lend the SUV with a more sophisticated and mature look. Its more detailed grille is now flanked by new headlights (full LED on SX and SXL), while its newly sculpted bumper now dons redesigned ice cube-style fog lamps that employ projection bulbs for EX and SX trims and LED for the SXL trim.

The Lexus RX midsize sports utility vehicle is known to offer high levels of luxury. But now, Lexus has managed to offer a third row of seats in the RX, and is bringing this more spacious SUV to the United States. The Japanese premium carmaker made this announcement upon the launch of the new 2018 Lexus RX L at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.

As Lexus disclosed, the new Lexus RX L will be sold in two flavors: the RX 350L and RX 450hL. These models carry the design of their shorter siblings but are now capable of accommodating up to seven occupants, depending on the seating configuration chosen by the customer. At first, people might see the new RX L as the long wheelbase version of the RX. This isn't surprising, considering the fact that other vehicles usually have their cabin space expanded by lengthening their wheelbase. However, doing so might compromise both maneuverability and styling.

Thus, in the case of the new Lexus RX L, the Japanese premium carmaker didn’t add the third row of seats by lengthening the wheelbase. Instead, Lexus tapped on its expertise in vehicle packaging and extended the length of the body 4.3 inches (110 mm) to the rear, thereby lengthening the rear overhangs. In addition, Lexus had to make sure that third-row occupants still enjoy generous headroom. This was achieved by employing a steeper tailgate window angle than on the two-row RX models. Since the second row is positioned a bit higher than the third row, more foot room is created for rear passengers.

Kia first unveiled the Niro PHEV at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, where it said it would go on sale in sale in the third quarter of 2017. Now, the US version of the Niro PHEV has made its debut in LA, sales in the country expected to commence in 2018. Once sales go online, the new 2018 Kia Niro PHEV will be available in three trim levels: LX, EX and EX Premium.

The new Niro PHEV has all the same packaging and driving enjoyment offered by the Niro hybrid. However, it has a number of elements that identify it as a PHEV. These include “ECO/Plug-In” badges, hybrid blue exterior accents, a charge port door (on left front fender) as well as tweaked front grille insert and surround. It comes available with LED headlamps and seven-inch color meter cluster with digital tachometer.

As a plug-in hybrid, the new Niro PHEV employs a combination of an all-aluminum 1.6-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) four-cylinder engine and an 60-hp (44.5 kW) electric motor for a total system output of 139 hp and combined torque of 195 lb.-ft. This is backed by an 8.9 kWh (59 kW) lithium-polymer battery pack. Thanks to the higher capacity of the battery capacity (plus 7.34 kWh more than the Niro hybrid), the Niro PHEV boasts of fuel economy rating of 105 MPGe.

There could be no stopping Saleen Automotive from returning to its business of building sports cars after nearly a decade since ending the production of the Saleen S7 supercar. This was confirmed by the company itself when it unveiled the new Saleen S1 sports coupe at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Saleen developed the Saleen S1 in-house to have more control over its engineering. The result is a new sports car underpinned by an aluminum chassis and housed in a carbon fiber body. The employment of these light yet strong materials allowed the new Saleen S1 to weigh just 2,685 pounds (1,218 kilograms).

According to company founder Steve Saleen, they designed the bodywork with aerodynamic function as the primary consideration, and in the process gave the new S1 elegant curves and an upswept tail. The design of the new Saleen S1 is marked by 20-inch wheels shod in Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires, massive brakes as well as center-exit exhausts. Saleen says that partly thanks to these tires, the S1 could pull 1.2 g of cornering grip on a skidpad.

Prior to the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota had promised to unveil an off-road sports utility vehicle concept that has all the ingredients needed to conquer an adventure, and people set their expectations. The Japanese carmaker was referring to its Future Toyota Adventure Concept, or FT-AC. But when the LA Auto Show came, Toyota unveiled more than what people – especially young ones -- expected.

According to Toyota, the FT-AC is a catalyst that invites and allows people to break their daily routines and embrace the unexpected. To achieve this, Toyota designed the new FT-AC to be versatile enough for those living an active lifestyle as well as for those who are active in their social medial life.

The new FT-AC is wrapped in Prospect Green finish with Fortress Gray accents, emphasizing its go-anywhere attitude. This character is further highlighted by its wide, black front grille flanked with bright LED headlights. Its fog lights are removable from their pods, allowing owners to use them as portable lights or even as lighting units on a mountain bike. The new FT-AC is also given a dynamic look and confident stance, as made possible by its long wheelbase, wide track, generous ground clearance, extra wide fender flares and 20-inch wheels shod in beefier all-terrain tires. It also features skid plates that help protect the short front and rear overhangs.

While Maserati has no new car to showcase at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, it does have the Nerissimo package for three of its cars, namely the Ghibli, Quattroporte, and the Levante SUV. But the GranTurismo and the GranCabrio are not getting the all-black treatment. It was said that the new styling kit is actually a follow up to the Ghibli Nerissimo Edition that we saw earlier this year at the New York Auto Show.

If you are one of those people who are into a Maserati with rear doors, a nice way to give it some flavour would be with the use of this Nerissimo styling package. The package uses a Nero paint combined with black chrome accents for the front grille’s trident logo, together with the grille’s upper bezel trim and at the back on the trunk lid. To make it look really stealthy, the automaker will black out the logo, model, vehicle name, and engine. But that is not all, as it will also black out the exhaust tips, window surrounds, and the vertical bars of the grille. Overall, it looks chic and sinister, and that is exactly what you would want your Italian sport sedan or SUV to look.

If you are not into the blacked out look of the vehicle, you might want to go for the Ghibli or the flagship Quattroporte instead. With these, you can choose from other colour options like the Grigio Maratea and Nero Ribelle. But the thing is, these are only available if you are willing to give out extra cash for the optional carbon fiber exterior.

At the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, Japanese automaker Mazda presented the 2018 Mazda6, which made a lot of people very excited. But that was not the only vehicle that they brought over to the City of Angels. Alongside it was the updated version of the RT-24P racing coupe, and this time, the race car wears a striking red paint that, without a doubt, will catch your attention. The motorsport spec machine will also compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s 2018 season.

If you were not aware, Mazda has taken the updated RT-24P to several places in the past couple of months like Hockenheim and Donington Park. And during the LA Auto Show, it had competition livery on that uses Mazda’s eye-catching Soul Red Crystal paint.

At this moment, we cannot judge how the RT-24P will perform as a race car, but what it promises is that it will be one of the most beautiful cars on the circuit. For instance, the body has gorgeous lines that flow over the vehicle’s body, making the coupe look fast even if it is just parked. It has got an angular air scoop in exposed carbon fiber that creates a visual division with its already smooth shape. Furthermore, it comes with huge diffusers at the front and rear, which is a sign that this Mazda is race-ready.

We are just a few days away from the most awaited movie of the year, Star Wars: The Last Jedi. And you might have noticed that wherever you look, you’re reminded of this movie. It seems that Star Wars has invaded our everyday lives, as seen in clothing brands, to shoes, and everything in between to celebrate Star Wars Eight. And of course, Nissan is not going to be left behind.

This is why they introduced no less than seven modified vehicles, which were all brought to the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show to be put up on display. The partnership between both the Japanese automaker and the franchise began this September when it was officially announced. Two months later, Nissan proves how ready it is for the movie’s premier in December with their expressive designs, where each car portrays a certain character or craft from the upcoming film.

All in all, Nissan modified three Maxima vehicles, and one of the following models: Altima, Rogue and Rogue Sport, and brought them to the City of Angels. Each car was designed by artists who work in Lucasfilm. This all started with a pen and paper, where the design team paired certain characters and crafts with cars from the newest film. They then chose colour palettes, graphics, textures and designs for each of them. You probably already know that the 7 vehicles will only be concepts, so don’t expect to get your hands on one.

Expect several of Toyota’s 2018 models to be getting safety assistance features that had previously only been seen in Lexus models. The Japanese automaker has recently launched the second generation of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which will have some of the features from the more advanced Lexus Safety System, carrying it over to more affordable vehicles. This gives more people access to the potentially life-saving system.

One of its main features would be the pre-collision system. Though this already is part of the original version of TSS, the second generation model gets an improved braking response, wherein it can now detect a pedestrian blocking the vehicle’s way during the day or night. Furthermore, the sensors can now respond to a potential accident with a bicycle, but only during the day.

Apart from the pre-collision system, the adaptive cruise control has also been improved as well. To be more specific, it can detect traffic in front of the driver better now. Furthermore, the system now has Lane Tracing Assist that will automatically steer the car with very minimal movements, making sure that the vehicle stays within its lane. This can make cruising on highways much more relaxing, since drivers will not have to keep their hands on the wheel constantly.

Eco-conscious BMW fans and enthusiasts could now experience a luxurious and comfortable ride with the freedom of open air, without inflicting harm to the environment. Here comes the new 2019 BMW i8 Roadster, as being unveiled by the German premium carmaker at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Tagged by BMW as the sports car of the future, the new i8 is available in two body variants – the new BMW i8 Roadster and new BMW i8 Coupe. While the BMW i8 Roadster and new BMW i8 Coupe plug-in hybrid models -- employing the much-enhanced BMW eDrive technology – are essentially twins, BMW opted to globally unveil only the open-top version at the 2017 LA Auto Show.

The new BMW i8 Roadster is underpinned by the distinct LifeDrive vehicle architecture and heavily influenced by the BMW i form language. It features a number of model-specific body strengthening elements. It comes with gullwing doors employing the signature lightweight construction of BMW i models. Even its windscreen frame is made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Meanwhile the all-electric soft-top cover could be opened or closed with just a press of a button in only 15 seconds up to speeds of 50 km/h.

Fans and enthusiasts of the Mercedes-Benz CLS don’t have to endure anymore the teasers over the upcoming third generation of the four-door coupe. This is because Mercedes Benz has finally unveiled the next generation of the CLS four-door coupe – now more impressive and more intelligent – at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The third generation of the CLS coupe is underpinned by the MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform, which means it has some similarities with E-Class sedan. However, the driving experience provided by the CLS coupe is different, since it boasts of a sportier chassis tune. Compared to its predecessor, the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS coupe has its length extended by 2.0 inches while its height has been shrunk by 0.5 inch.

Nonetheless, the new generation coupe is easily recognizable as the CLS, but is now influenced by the carmaker’s Sensual Purity design language. Its front end is defined by the diamond grille common with Mercedes coupes, with a single louver. Now, the contours of the grille are similar to those of the grille on the Mercedes-AMG GT. Dynamically following these contours while bordering the grille are very flat and wide LED headlamps with inward-slanting flanks.

Mazda has brought a refreshed version of its Mazda6 sedan at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show in time for its debut this Friday. In this groundbreaking update, the midsize sedan not only receives a new turbocharged engine and excitingly new exterior but it even has a cool new interior to go with it.

The new 2.5 liter turbo four delivers an output of 250 horsepower (186 kilowatt) and 310 pound feet (420Nm) of torque while the newly enhanced exterior design has borrowed inspirations from the brand’s Vision Coupe Concept previewed earlier this year. Its interior is now offered with Mazda’s Signature trims including Ultra-Suede, Sen wood, and brown Nappa leather echoing Japan’s natural landscape.

The Mazda 6’s power boost is for the new SKYACTIVE- G 2.5 T engine that runs on a dynamic pressure turbo that can engage at steady rate between 25 and 50 mph via cylinder deactivation feature.

Nissan’s growing subcompact crossover lineup has a new model -- the new Kicks, a production version of the concept car initially introduced at the Sao Paolo Motor Show three years ago. Nissan brings the 2018 Kicks to 2017 LA Auto Show for its premiere, taking with it nearly the exact design cues from the concept along with the brand’s highly iconic V-motion grille.

The automaker is looking to lure the younger crowd by not only by offering the stylish CUV with colorful choices of paints but also with a starting price of less than 19,000 USD which is way more affordable compared to the Nissan Juke.

Nissan has packed the Kicks’ 1.6-liter four cylinder engine with 125hp and 115lb-ft of torque that sends power to the front wheels courtesy of Nissans Xtronic continuous variable transmission. In addition, folks trying to purchase a brand new car for the first time will find great value in the fuel efficient powertrain’s 33 mpg combined rating from the EPA.

Just this month, Chevrolet unveiled the new 2019 Corvette ZR1 super coupe. Dubbed by Chevrolet as the fastest and most powerful production Corvette, the new 2019 ZR1 astonished the public with its 755 hp (563 kW) of output and 212 mph of top speed. While people are still reeling from the arrival of the new Corvette ZR1 super coupe, Chevrolet has opted not to wait too long to unveil its drop-top version.

Yes, Chevrolet is introducing the 2019 Corvette ZR1 Convertible, with the official unveiling set to happen at the upcoming 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. It will be sold along with the 2019 Corvette ZR1 super coupe starting next spring. It will the first ZR1 convertible since the original 1970 ZR1, taking nearly 50 years before the first drop-top was followed up by a modern version.

As the drop-top version of the coupe introduced at the 2017 Dubai Motor Show, the Corvette ZR1 convertible has the same performance and technology offerings as its roofed twin. Thanks to the Corvette’s strong and stiff aluminum chassis, Chevrolet has to implement a few structural changes, which include the accommodations for its folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. Drivers could open or close the power top up to speeds of 30 mph. The folding top hardware accounted for most of the 60 lbs (27 kg) of curb weight difference between the coupe and convertible versions of the new Corvette ZR1 supercar.